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Lie-in protest addresses Malta’s road fatalities and inefficiencies

Lie-in protest addresses Malta’s road fatalities and inefficiencies
Mar 18 2023 Share

NGOs and activist groups Moviment Graffiti, Friends of the Earth Malta and Rota.mt organised a lie-in and press conference in front of Malta’s parliament, calling out transport and infrastructure authorities as well as Minister Aaron Farrugia. 

The protest highlighted ‘the real cost of inefficient public transport, lack of appropriate infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians, and an illogical car-centric transport system, which is negatively affecting people’s lives and quality of life.’ 

The protesters highlighted how the transport model being pushed by past and current authorities prioritises private cars at the expense of commuter safety and reliable access to mobility. 

At its worst, the NGOs argued, this has caused ‘an unacceptably high number of road incidents and deaths. It has also resulted in constant traffic and congestion problems, severely impairing people’s ability to move from one place to another.’ 

‘Tried and tested solutions have solved similar mobility challenges in cities and countries elsewhere – both hilly and flat, and with diverse weather considerations – but this will is currently lacking locally for no justifiable reason.’ 

‘If Transport Minister Aaron Farrugia wants to avoid further deaths on our roads and be remembered as the transport minister that solved our road congestion issues, the way forward is clear. The public has waited long enough, and it is well past the time to walk the talk.’

The groups posed various demands and proposals which could solve these issues, including the publication of standards for pedestrian/cycling infrastructure, a legally binding national cycling policy and the introducing of presumed liability laws to protect the more vulnerable road users. 

#MaltaDaily 

Gozo celebrates St Patrick’s too! Hundreds flock to Għajnsielem

Gozo celebrates St Patrick’s too! Hundreds flock to Għajnsielem
Mar 18 2023 Share

Malta’s sister island Gozo did not – and never did – shy away from throwing its own St Patrick’s Street Party celebrations as hundreds took to Għajnsielem to share a pint with friends and family!

Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri highlighted the jubilant atmosphere in the aforementioned locality, saying that Gozo too joined various other countries to celebrate the feast. 

Various activities were organised, with live bands taking to the stage and the Għajnsielem Local Council making sure the attendee’s hubs were safe and equipped with as many green decorations as possible!

‘Now that we are approaching the summer season, intensive work is currently ongoing to present to you the cultural programme all around the island’ said Minister Camilleri. 

Gozo was of course a massive centre for Carnival celebrations, especially in Nadur. And the sister island continued to show that it is also a massive centre which welcomes friends and families, Maltese or foreign, to enjoy their time during such feasts and events.

Well done to the Għajnsielem Local Council for your organisation! Were you in Gozo this St Patrick’s Day?

#MaltaDaily 

St Julian’s streets left spotless after St Patrick’s Day celebrations

St Julian’s streets left spotless after St Patrick’s Day celebrations
Mar 18 2023 Share

In yet another testament to the efficiency shown by Malta’s cleaning and sanitation departments, the roads in St Julian’s and surrounding areas were left spotless following the St Patrick’s celebration’s last night. 

Despite hundreds making their way to the area for some beer chugging down time after a COVID-19 hiatus, images taken from the next morning showed that the area was left absolutely spotless.

St Julian’s has, in recent history, become one of the most popular destinations for St Patrick’s Day Celebrations in Malta. 

But this did not stop the relevant authorities from making sure that all the attendees were safe in their celebrations as we all await next year’s edition. 

A massive well done to the St Julian’s Local Council as well as the Cleaning and Maintenance Division for their hard work and coordination! Making sure the Maltese islands are safe for all to enjoy such large events!

Did you attend the celebrations yesterday? 

#MaltaDaily 

Travellers plan ahead as airport ring roadworks to begin Tuesday

Travellers plan ahead as airport ring roadworks to begin Tuesday
Mar 18 2023 Share

The Malta International Airport have issued a statement to the public, stating that the major works which will upgrade sections of the airport ring road, will be commencing this Tuesday.

The works, scheduled to kick off at 1800hrs on the 21st of March, will not impact the main airport entryway and exits but ‘some congestion can be expected at these two points.’

‘For this reason’, the airport warns, ‘persons who will be travelling from the 21st of March onwards are advised to allow extra time for their journey, whether they are being dropped off, or driving to the airport and using one of the campus car parks. All car parks will remain accessible throughout the project and public transport will operate normally.’ 

The work is split into two phases, with the airport’s outer lane, normally used for pick-ups and drop-offs by private vehicles, will be inaccessible. 

‘Persons who will be dropping off or picking up someone, are advised that a temporary area within the main car park will be allocated for this purpose. The current grace period for users of the main car park will be temporarily extended to 30 minutes.’ 

Drivers are requested to observe the recommended 30 kilometres per hour speed limit on airport campus. Meanwhile, given that lanes directly outside the terminal will be made inaccessible at different stages, ‘the building should always be accessed through Level -1 rather than the main entrance.’ 

‘Malta International Airport would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused by these roadworks and appeals for the public’s cooperation in maintaining a safe environment during the project.’ 

#MaltaDaily